Support group coordinator volunteer volunteer roles

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Group Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group reaches out to people affected by MS.

The role is varied, and will enable you to further develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.

• Voluntary (expenses paid in line with volunteering policy)
• Approx. 3 – 6 hours per week
• Minimum commitment 12 months
• Based in Greenwich

South East London Mind is a well-established and highly regarded local charity helping people to be mentally healthy. Working together with those experiencing mental health problems and dementia to improve their quality of life. With an annual turnover of £6M, over 180 staff and 260 volunteers, we are one of the largest charities in the Mind network.

SEL Mind delivers a Peer Support Programme which consist of group activities and therapeutic groups run by Peer Support Volunteers for individuals’ with either a mental health diagnosis or service users who are impacted by mental health within the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

The purpose of the Volunteer Peer Support Group Facilitator is to provide peer support and facilitate a group with the guidance of a coordinator, whilst creating a welcoming environment and sharing their own knowledge/experience of living with mental health difficulties.

The role will also entail the planning of groups, and assisting with other peer support administrative duties.

Volunteer Opportunities: Peer Support Group Facilitators

To help us match you with a role that fits your schedule, builds on your existing skills and supports the skills you’d like to develop, please review the days, times and facilitator responsibilities for each group.

Please note: there should be a gap of 6–12 months between finishing your time as a peer support service user and applying to become a volunteer.

Social Group Facilitator

• 1 x Volunteer. Shift: Monday 13:00 – 16:00
• 1 x Volunteer. Shift: Thursday 11:30 – 15:15

We’re looking for volunteers to support facilitating our social group alongside a group coordinator. Although there are activity tables, this is not an activity-led group.

The role is about being present, reading the room, and sensing where connection or support might be needed rather than following a plan. You’ll need to be comfortable with uncertainty and able to work without clear direction.

The group has been running for a long time and a key part of this role is settling into the rhythm of the group and also helping new members find their place within it. Good instincts and genuine warmth matter more here than any particular skill.

Part of your role will be to set up and pack down independently, including preparing a tea and coffee table and washing up during and after the session. Sharing a cuppa is central to what makes the group feel welcoming.

If you’re naturally at ease in social settings, happy to take initiative, and able to commit reliably for a minimum of a year this could be a great fit.

Growing Connections Group Facilitator

• 3 x Volunteers
• Volunteer Shift: Thursday 11:30 – 15:30

We’re looking for volunteers to facilitate Growing Connections, a brand-new outdoor group centred around the simple, satisfying tasks of watering, pruning and tidying pot plants, and making space for the conversation and connection that grows alongside it.

You’ll arrive early to set up, this will include readying tea and coffee, co-lead the session with another volunteer facilitator, and pack down and wash up at the end.

You’ll lead without a staff member in the room, though one will be available on site if needed, so we’re looking for people who are comfortable taking the lead.

The gardening gives the session its focus, but a space for conversation and connection is just as important. Over time we hope that members can feel a sense of ownership over the group and the space itself.

You don’t need to be an expert gardener, but you should be comfortable with basic plant care, good at putting people at ease, and able to commit reliably for a minimum of a year Training, support and supervision will be provided.

Creative Connections Group Facilitator

• 2x Volunteers
• Volunteer Shift: Wednesday 1:30-4pm (group time) and ad hoc planning time

We’re looking for volunteers to facilitate Creative Connections, diverse creative activity group led jointly by volunteers and service users.

You’ll arrive early to set up, help plan and deliver sessions, and pack down at the end.

Central to the role is supporting members to take an active part in shaping and leading sessions themselves; helping people build confidence in themselves and their ideas, find their voice, and feel a valued part of the group.

You don’t need to be a professional artist, but you should be comfortable in a creative space, and able to follow other ideas as well as bringing your own. We ask that you are able to commit reliably for a minimum of a year.

Creative Writing Group Facilitator

• 2x Volunteers
• Volunteer Shift: Wednesday 10:15am – 1pm

We’re looking for volunteers to co-facilitate our creative writing group, working alongside a group coordinator who leads the sessions.

You’ll arrive early to set up, support the coordinator with planning sessions and the delivery of the sessions, alongside packing down at the end.

Your role is to support the coordinator and be present for members, noticing who might need encouragement, who needs space, and helping people feel comfortable enough to share. Creative writing can at times be reflective and vulnerable, and a sensitivity to these feelings is as important as any writing experience.

You don’t need to be an experienced writer, but you should be comfortable in a creative setting, skilled at helping others find their voice, and able to commit reliably for a minimum of a year.

The Nook, Greenwich Young Persons Group Facilitator

• 2x Volunteers
• Volunteer Shift: Monday 1.30pm – 4.45pm

‘The Nook, Greenwich’ is a peer support group run by our Peer Support Coordinator and Peer Support Volunteers. The group is for young people (18-30’s) experiencing low to moderate mental health needs (with or without a diagnosis) in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

The group offers:

• A safe space to talk openly and honestly about mental health
• Peer support from people who have walked a similar path
• Real talk: honest discussions led by peer group facilitators who have been there

Benefits of volunteering with us:  

• Gain frontline experience within a community mental health team
• Regular training and development opportunities
• Ongoing supervision and support
• An opportunity to be part of a lived experience team
• An opportunity to help people within the local community and give back
• Expenses paid in line with volunteering policy
• In-depth induction training which includes active listening skills, group dynamics, mental health awareness, and EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)

“My experience has been great, I’ve felt really supported and found the tasks and the work really meaningful.  I hoped that volunteering would lead to employment and it did. Volunteering helped me to develop my skills and build my confidence and support my mental health and wellbeing.”
Peer Support Volunteer 2026

Training and Supervision:

• All volunteers receive essential peer support training, and attendance is required before starting the role.
• In addition, you will need to complete an online safeguarding course at home.
• We provide regular supervision every six weeks. The exact time will be confirmed with your coordinator.

Interested in the role? Next steps:

• Complete a Volunteer Application Form
• Interview
• References & Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service checks
• Complete our volunteer training programme

We recognise the importance of having a diverse and inclusive volunteer base, and would therefore particularly welcome applications from the following, currently under-represented, groups:

• People from culturally diverse communities
• People aged 18-25
• Disabled people
• People with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities

SEL Mind is committed to meeting the reasonable adjustments of disabled people and always welcomes applications from people with lived experience of mental health problems.

How to apply

Please visit our website to apply.

Closing date: Thursday 18 June
Likely interview date: Friday 29 June

Induction Training:

• Tuesday 7 July, 10:00-16:00 – In person
• Thursday 9 July, 10:00-15:00 – Online
• Friday 10 July, 10:00-12:00 – Online

Purpose of the Role

This volunteer role supports the delivery of a wellbeing project for male asylum seekers accommodated in hotels in Ealing. The service aims to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and provide culturally sensitive mental health support for individuals who may be experiencing stress, trauma, and uncertainty due to displacement.

Volunteers will support the delivery of group activities and informal support sessions that promote social connection, emotional wellbeing, and engagement with services. The role involves building rapport with residents, supporting activities, and helping individuals access support where needed.

Volunteers will work alongside the Mental Health (Asylum Seekers) Coordinator to create a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment where residents feel comfortable participating in activities and seeking support.

Main Responsibilities

To support the Mental Health (Asylum Seekers) Coordinator in engaging residents and facilitating group activities that promote wellbeing, social connection, and access to support services.

Responsibilities include:

• Engage with asylum seeker residents in a friendly, respectful, and culturally sensitive manner
• Introduce residents to the wellbeing service and encourage participation in activities
• Help build rapport and trust with residents through informal conversation and engagement
• Support the onboarding of participants by assisting with forms and explaining the service
• Assist with facilitating group activities such as board games, expressive and creative activities.
• Encourage participation and inclusion during group activities
• Provide informal emotional support through active listening and supportive conversation
• Help create a welcoming and safe space for participants during sessions
• Support the preparation and organisation of activity materials and resources
• Assist with setting up and packing down activity spaces
• Identify and report any safeguarding concerns or welfare issues to the coordinator
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and follow guidance from staff when supporting residents

The type of person we are looking for:

• Friendly, approachable, and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathetic and non-judgemental attitude
• Interest in supporting people experiencing mental health challenges or social isolation
• Ability to work respectfully with people from different cultural backgrounds
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow guidance from staff
• Reliable and able to commit to the agreed volunteering hours
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding

HFEH Mind value equal opportunities; and are proud to foster a workforce of volunteers and employees that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

WL Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

About us

The CFDN is a registered charity and voluntary organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families of all faiths and none across Essex & East London. Our mission is simple but important: to serve people with disabilities and their families by creating a supportive community and promoting opportunity through our network and events.​

Our charity is run by volunteers and led by our trustees and CEO, who are dedicated to keeping our community strong and vibrant. From swimming events at Leyton Lagoon to family disco's, bi-weekly pub group for adults, Saturday club for adults, theatre trips, family BBQs, seaside coach trips, adventure days at Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning and much more, we offer a diverse range of events to suit everyone's interests.
 

Introduction

We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our team of Volunteer Community Fundraisers and Event Coordinators. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities and their families and contribute to the betterment of your community. This is a rewarding and fulfilling role that allows you to share your skills, experiences, creativity, have fun and give back.

Please note this is not a paid role but the volunteer will be able to claim reasonable expenses in line with policy. We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 4 hours a month.

Location: Across East London and Essex, including Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Havering

Our Charity

The CFDN charity has been in existence since 1962 servicing people with disabilities and their families of all faiths and none across Essex and East London. We rely on our dedicated volunteers to help us support our community and enable people with disabilities with the social, emotional, spiritual and material support they may need.

Many of our volunteers have been with us for 20+ years, and we are looking to extend our dynamic and diverse workforce of volunteers and staff.

Responsibilities

- Help plan, organise and run fundraising initiatives and events

- Market and promote our events and activities across your area

- Assist with project management, including planning, organising, and executing community fundraising projects and events at a local level

- Participate in fundraising efforts face-to-face, online or remotely to support community programs

- Keep up to date with compliance, statutory and mandatory training provided by the charity. Opportunities to learn and develop.

- Promote a fun, welcoming and inclusive environment for our members.

- Work with other fundraisers and give feedback to the CEO and Trustees on fundraising activities and achievements

- Perform administrative tasks such as record keeping, event details, incident reporting and data entry

- Help execute the charity strategic plan and achieve our financial targets to continue our services for many years to come.

Experience

- You must have a genuine desire to help others.

- An understanding of the needs of people with disabilities or SEN or experience in supporting a family member/friend with SEND is desirable.

- Knowledge of event organising or the ability to learn

- Experience in fundraising events and activities or the desire to learn

- Good communication skills

- Ability to use a computer and access our central volunteer hub online

- Organisational skills for administrative abilities

This role is working with vulnerable adults and children; therefore, a satisfactory recruitment process and Disclosure and Barring Service check, including the adult and child barring lists, are required for the role.

As a Community Fundraising Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others while gaining valuable experience in project management, leadership, and community engagement with the ability to progress skillsets and job opportunities.

Join our team today and be part of a positive community.

Volunteer Social Media Manager

Giant Football Community Walk

Location: Remote

Time Commitment: Flexible, approximately 3 to 5 hours per week

The Giant Football Community Walk is looking for a volunteer Social Media Manager to help promote our 2026 event and engage with football supporters, clubs, foundations and supporter groups across the North West.

The event will bring together supporters from across the football pyramid for a 42km or 21km community walking challenge. Participants will represent their clubs, raise money for good causes and celebrate the positive role football plays within local communities.

What You’ll Do

• Manage and grow our Facebook and Instagram accounts

• Create and schedule social media content

• Promote participating clubs, supporter groups and charities

• Help recruit walkers, volunteers and supporters

• Respond to messages and engage with online communities

• Share participant stories, fundraising updates and event news

What We’re Looking For

You do not need professional marketing experience.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has good written communication skills

• Is confident using Facebook and Instagram

• Is organised and reliable

• Understands football culture and supporter communities

• Wants to contribute to a positive community event

What You’ll Gain

• Practical social media experience

• The opportunity to build relationships across the football community

• Experience supporting a large scale community event

• A reference recognising your contribution

About The Event

The Giant Football Community Walk aims to bring together supporters from clubs across the North West in a spirit of respect, community and friendly rivalry.

Football communities achieve remarkable things when they work together. We want our social media channels to reflect that.

If you would like to be involved, we’d love to hear from you.

We are asking Local Coordinators to launch Amnesty Human Rights Where You Live initiatives in their area of the East Midlands, helping to bring together local people with an interest in human rights. This is an on-the-ground role promoting activism in your area.

Over the next twelve months, Coordinators would then support their local team to: 

• Raise awareness of and campaign on human rights issues locally. 

• Persuade local politicians to put human rights at the heart of their decisions 

• Engage their local community and ‘change the conversation’ on human rights

• Mark International Human Rights Day on 10 December 

• Set up an Amnesty local group with fundraising to enable future campaigning 

They would also have the chance to team up with other Coordinators to help develop and deliver a human rights campaign for the East Midlands. 

This is a great opportunity to make a difference in your local area on issues you are passionate about while also gaining experience and confidence with a wide range of campaign and communication skills.  

What support would I get? 

Coordinators will be supported at every step by the Amnesty East Midlands Regional Organiser and other staff, who will provide: 

• Support for a local launch meeting for Human Rights Where You Live 

• Training in knowledge and skills 

• 1-1 coaching 

• Organising, campaigning and fundraising resources 

• Face-to-face and online networking with other activists as a regional team. 

My main staff point of contact would be: East Midlands Regional Organiser

All Coordinators would:

• Communicate regularly with the East Midlands Regional Organiser

• Feedback on their activities on a regular and structured basis. 

• Aim to attend a reasonable number of core training and networking sessions online and in-person, depending on individual circumstances. 

What skills and knowledge are needed? 

• Some knowledge of your local area in the East Midlands. 

• Good written and oral communications skills 

• Experience of team-working 

• Basic IT competency (email, word processing, etc.) and internet access 

Experience of campaigning is always welcome but not essential – we find that people often have skills from something else they have done that would be very helpful for the role. 

How much time is needed? 

We would estimate around 2-3 hours a week would be the average, although there may be some periods where more or less commitment is needed. We’d ask that you commit to your local Human Rights Where You Live project for at least one year, although we recognize that people’s circumstances do change. 

We also understand that this role may need to fit around your family, studies, caring or other commitments.  

Any other requirements? 

Coordinators would need to be living in the East Midlands and unlikely to move in the next 12 months. We welcome interest from students at East Midlands universities. 

We would ask that any Coordinator be at least 18. However, if you are under 18 but would still like to get involved in Amnesty, please do get in touch to find more about our youth groups. 

We welcome interest from people who are already volunteering with another community or campaign group with an interest in human rights, and who are interested in doing a local Human Rights Where You Live project as a collaboration between Amnesty and that group. 

Coordinator Volunteer - Read Easy Leeds

Are you an enthusiastic volunteer looking for a new role where you'll be able to use your organisation and people skills to really make a difference? Are you passionate about helping others? Could you be part of someone’s journey towards learning to read?

Read Easy Leeds is a local charity that provides free, confidential, one-to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading. As part of the Read Easy UK network, we help adults improve their reading skills, confidence and opportunities in life. We are looking to expand our work and are seeking new Coordinators to join our friendly team.

This voluntary position would be ideal for someone with strong organisational and problem-solving skills, alongside excellent people skills and a friendly, caring nature. If you enjoy helping others and finding practical solutions, this could be the perfect role for you.

Being a Coordinator is a vital and rewarding role within the Read Easy Leeds team. You will meet adults who want to learn to read and interview volunteer Reading Coaches. You will then pair Readers with Coaches and provide ongoing support, alongside our Literacy Specialist, checking in regularly to ensure that both Reader and Coach are progressing well. You will play an important role in helping the group continue to thrive and grow.

You do not need previous experience, and you do not need to have volunteered as a Reading Coach first. Full training and support will be provided by Read Easy UK, and you will work alongside an enthusiastic and supportive team.

The role is flexible and can largely be carried out from home. However, you will need to make occasional visits to reading pairs at venues across Leeds and attend occasional in-person meetings.

You can choose your own hours and the number of reading pairs you support. Most Coordinators spend around 3 to 5 hours per week in the role. Some daytime and evening availability is essential. To get the most from the role, we ask Coordinators to commit to supporting Read Easy Leeds for at least one year.

What's in it for you?

• A rewarding role that has a positive impact on people's lives – there is no better feeling than seeing Readers graduate from the programme.

• The opportunity to meet new people and work collaboratively as part of a supportive team.

• The chance to develop skills in coordination, communication and volunteer support.

• Regular contact with the team, including social events and face-to-face opportunities.

• Support from a dedicated Team Leader, together with comprehensive training and ongoing guidance.

The skills you will need

• A passion for supporting others to achieve their goals.

• Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.

• Reasonable confidence using IT, including email, online meetings and electronic records.

• The ability to use initiative and work independently, while also contributing as part of a team.

• A non-judgemental attitude, respect for others, and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Energy and enthusiasm to commit to the role for at least one year.

• A willingness to follow Read Easy policies and procedures.

Please be aware that reading sessions take place at venues across Leeds, mainly libraries and community centres. As the role occasionally involves visiting reading pairs to provide support, you will need to be based in or near Leeds and able to travel across the city when required.

Join the pack. Lend a hand. Change lives. Join your local fundraising group as a volunteer.

Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity where you can meet new people and raise funds that will change lives?  Join a Guide Dogs group near you for fun, fundraising and four-legged friends.

Did you know it costs £102,000 to raise, train, and support a guide dog from birth to retirement.

We have a range of roles from being a group member, to taking on a lead role such as Group Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, Treasurer, Merchandise Coordinator or Collection Box Coordinator.

Why become a fundraising volunteer:

As well as making a huge difference to people’s lives, volunteering with your local Guide Dogs fundraising group is a great way to spend some of your free time and give back.

• Inspire people to support Guide Dogs and make a difference to someone with sight loss.
• Have fun finding new events and places to volunteer at.
• You’ll meet lots of special dogs – from young puppies in training to incredible guide dogs in partnership.
• You’ll empower others to get involved with Guide Dogs.
• You’ll learn new skills and we’ll provide all the training you need for your role.
• You can take on as much or as little as you want, and you can fit the role around your other commitments.

Who you are:

We appreciate our volunteers’ passion and energy, but we also value your unique skills, perspectives and personalities.

• Inspire others: Do you have lots of ideas that could motivate others? We need more inspirational volunteer leaders and fundraisers who can bring their energy and unique perspective to our local fundraising groups.

• Bring your skills: Could you help organise a calendar of events, take care of ordering merchandise, or count the funds raised by your local team? We need more volunteer treasurers, secretaries, and merchandise coordinators to support our fundraising groups.

• Help take Guide Dogs into your community: Are you well connected or do you love going to new places and meeting new people? We need more volunteer fundraisers to help at our events and spread the word about our work.

Training and pre-agreed expenses available.

Visit our webiste to see what roles are available where you live. 

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and organized Volunteer Recruiter & Volunteer Hub Coordinator to help establish and grow a volunteer hub in the UK. This role will focus on recruiting volunteers, building community connections, and helping coordinate and manage community service events and outreach initiatives.

This is a great opportunity for someone interested in nonprofit leadership, community organizing, volunteer management, or event coordination while contributing to meaningful humanitarian and community-focused initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit and onboard volunteers across the UK
• Help build and grow a UK-based volunteer hub and community network
• Coordinate volunteer communications, scheduling, and engagement
• Assist with planning, organizing, and managing community service events and outreach activities
• Help identify partnership opportunities with local organizations, schools, charities, and community groups
• Promote volunteer opportunities through social media, online platforms, and community outreach
• Support volunteer retention and help create a positive volunteer experience

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Passion for community service and nonprofit work
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Comfortable using email, spreadsheets, social media, and virtual collaboration tools
• Experience in volunteering, recruiting, event coordination, or community outreach is helpful but not required

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on nonprofit leadership and volunteer management experience
• Experience helping launch and grow a volunteer hub initiative
• Networking and professional development opportunities
• Flexible remote volunteering experience
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within communities across the UK
• Reference letter available based on contribution and commitment

We’re looking for a friendly, organised person to become our Walk Leader Coordinator — someone who enjoys supporting others, keeping things running smoothly, and helping volunteers feel valued and confident in their role.

You’ll be the go-to person for our walk leaders.

What you’ll do

• Be a point of contact for walk leaders across our groups
• Help schedule and onboard new walk leaders
• Share updates, check in regularly, and make sure each group feels supported
• Keep basic records of who’s leading which walk and when
• Flag anything that needs attention to the Project Lead
• Bring ideas on how to strengthen volunteer engagement and community

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Are organised and enjoy bringing a bit of calm to moving parts
• Like building relationships and cheering people on
• Feel comfortable communicating by email, phone or WhatsApp
• Are passionate about mental health, inclusion and positive community impact
• Enjoy being part of something meaningful and people-focused

What difference will you make?

This role strengthens our ability to run safe, welcoming walks across Hampshire. By supporting and coordinating walk leaders, the volunteer helps us reach more people, reduce isolation, and create consistent, meaningful spaces where mental health can be talked about openly.

Volunteer Role: Community Group Volunteer

Location: Across Wales

Frequency: A few hours once a month

Reporting to: Adoption Community Manager

Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS

Community groups are facilitated face to face or virtual meetings/events run by community group coordinators who are volunteers. The groups are run to offer local networking, support, information, advice, guidance and a sense of community for adoption UK members.

The role of a community group coordinator is to plan, organise, facilitate and network meeting and events both face to face and virtually for local adoption UK members. 

The groups are open to prospective adopters/ adopters awaiting a match and adopters with children. Meet ups are often held monthly although the frequency is dependent on the availability of the community group coordinator. 

What you will be doing   

·Plan dates for the community group meetings.

·Inform the Community officer and manager so the admin and booking link can be created for the group.

·Attend the group meetings, welcome the attendees, remind everyone at the start of the meeting about safeguarding and confidentiality, chair the meeting and provide a listening ear and potential signposting to the attendees.

·Ensure Adoption UK’s safeguarding policies and procedures are followed.

·After the meeting, send an attendance list to staff at Adoption UK.

The Skills and Experience you need  

·Personal experience, and understanding of the issues facing adoptive parents 

·Caring 

·Understanding 

·Good listening and communication skills 

·Good understanding of the importance of confidentiality

·Ability to respect other people’s differences and choices  

·Some IT and administration skills   

·Confidence to work independently and the ability to recognise when to ask for support or raise concerns if required 

What’s in it for you

·Meet new people and be part of helping adopted young people to thrive  

·Access to the online family members area and the opportunity to attend relevant training and development opportunities  

·Use and develop your communication, organisational and people skills  

·Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out the role and agreed out-of-pocket expenses  

Safeguarding role requirements: All applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone.

About the role

Location: Bristol

Hours: 2 hours per week

As a Volunteer Group Facilitator, you will play an important role in supporting group sessions and workshops. You will help create a welcoming, inclusive, and comfortable environment where everyone feels valued and able to participate.

Your responsibilities may include engaging with group members through conversation, welcoming participants as they arrive, and supporting the smooth running of sessions by helping with set-up and clear-up tasks. You may also assist with taking attendance at the start of each session.

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.

This role requires a Basic DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness.

As a Volunteer Group Facilitator you will

• Welcome participants and help create a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment
• Support the development of a safe space where individuals feel comfortable sharing as much or as little as they wish
• Assist with setting up before sessions (e.g. arranging chairs, preparing materials, and taking attendance)
• Help tidy and reset the space after sessions
• Collaborate with other volunteers and staff to support the smooth delivery of group activities

About the service

The Bristol Community Support Services team is committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred support. The service focuses on helping individuals achieve their goals, improve their wellbeing, and maintain independence while living with mental illness.

The team includes a Service Manager, Recovery Coaches, a Digital Officer, a Group Development Coordinator, and a Peer and Volunteer Coordinator, all working together to provide a supportive and effective service.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Having an interest in mental health and supporting people living with mental illness
• Able to demonstrate strong active listening skills and the ability to build rapport
• Able to relate to people from diverse backgrounds and remains non-judgemental
• Understand the importance of confidentiality
• Reliable and punctual

It's not essential, but you may also bring

• Lived experience of mental health challenges
• Experience of working in group settings

How to apply

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory.

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

Martlets, Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House have collection tins hosted by a wide variety of businesses across Worthing, Sussex, Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas. Our tins continue to play an important role in raising money and awareness for the hospices so that we can continue to provide specialist care.

These tins need to be collected, replaced, and returned to our fundraising offices or shops on a regular basis. With collections expected to be completed on a 6-8 week cycle.

We are looking for friendly, reliable people to help us with this important fundraising and community liaison role.

You will be the face of the Fundraising team in your locality, representing the hospices when collecting. This is a chance to involve yourself with the community by building a relationship with our collection tin hosts and keeping them up to date with any news from us.

This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a flexible volunteering role to fit around other commitments. We can discuss potential rounds based on where you live and an appropriate distance to travel.

Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.

Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing groups information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.

Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively. As a prison volunteer you will:

• Developing skills and confidence
• Teach prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects
• Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects

It is essential for volunteers to support FCW ethos, believe in rehabilitation, be an excellent teamworker, observe personal boundaries, be reliable and patient to ensure cell groups run smoothly, and have record-keeping skills and have at knowledge of tapestry/needlework. . 

Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based, therefore it is requred that volunteers will be able to travel to the relevant prisons. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity. 

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our volunteers.

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in FCW’s workforce.

These include applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, and male identifying applicants as these are currently under-represented in our volunteers groups.